.Part 1 Architecture HP SAN Design Reference Guide 785351-001

NOTE: This guide describes specific switch and fabric rules for SAN configuration. A
heterogeneous environment requires coordination of components based on their rules to create a
consolidated system. You must also consider the restrictions and requirements of the servers, HBAs,
operating systems, cables, and other components.
SAN design approaches
HP has three approaches to SAN design, listed here in order of complexity and experience required:
• HP standard design
HP standard designs specify the arrangement of Fibre Channel switches in a SAN fabric, and
are optimized for specific data access requirements and typical workloads. Implementing a
standard design is the simplest approach to SAN design. HP recommends this approach for
users who are designing a SAN for the first time.
• Modified HP standard design
Select a standard SAN design that satisfies most of your requirements, and then modify it to
meet your data access and connectivity requirements. HP recommends this approach for users
with an intermediate level of SAN experience.
• Custom design using the HP SAN design rules
Use a custom SAN design for specific storage and data access requirements. The SAN design
rules in this guide specify guidelines for configuring custom topologies. HP recommends this
approach for users with an intermediate or advanced level of SAN experience.
For information about:
• Standard SAN designs, see “SAN fabric topologies” (page 23)
• Customizing a SAN design, see:
“B-series switches and fabric rules” (page 91)◦
◦ “C-series switches and fabric rules” (page 123)
◦ “H-series switches and fabric rules” (page 140)
• Heterogeneous SAN design, see:
“Heterogeneous server rules” (page 165)◦
◦ “MSA storage system rules” (page 211)
◦ “P6000/EVA storage system rules” (page 221)
◦ “P9000/XP storage system rules” (page 235)
◦ “SVSP storage system rules” (page 242)
◦ “3PAR StoreServ storage rules” (page 249)
• Recommended SAN solutions and conventions, see “Best practices” (page 383)
SAN design considerations
To design or modify a SAN, evaluate the following:
• Geographic layout
The locations of campuses, buildings, servers, and storage systems determine the required
SAN connections. SAN infrastructure components support long-distance connections and
20 SAN design overview